BOOK BRIEF

Reservation Road

John Burnham Schwartz
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Reservation Road

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999

Book Brief

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John Burnham Schwartz

Reservation Road

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Connecticut • 1990s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Reservation Road by John Burnham Schwartz depicts the intersecting lives of two families following a tragic hit-and-run accident. A father becomes obsessed with finding justice for his lost child, while another man grapples with his conscience and responsibility. The narrative explores themes of grief, guilt, and the complex nature of human emotion and relationships.

Dark

Emotional

Melancholic

Mysterious

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

3.9

2,926 ratings

56%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Reservation Road by John Burnham Schwartz is praised for its compelling narrative and emotional depth, effectively capturing the anguish and turmoil of a family tragedy. The characters are well-developed, and the prose is evocative. However, some critics feel the pacing can be uneven, and certain plot developments may seem predictable. Overall, it's a poignant exploration of grief and redemption.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Reservation Road?

Readers who enjoy Reservation Road by John Burnham Schwartz are drawn to intense emotional narratives exploring tragedy and family dynamics. Fans of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold or The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini may appreciate its poignant storytelling and examination of grief and redemption.

3.9

2,926 ratings

56%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Reservation Road was adapted into a film in 2007, which starred Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, and Jennifer Connelly, bringing broader attention to John Burnham Schwartz's gripping narrative.

John Burnham Schwartz wrote Reservation Road while living in Japan and was inspired by the various emotions and themes surrounding loss and vengeance.

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A unique aspect of Schwartz's writing process for Reservation Road involved drawing on his experiences and perspectives from different cultures, given his extensive travels and his work in a Japanese law firm prior to becoming a full-time writer.

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Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Connecticut • 1990s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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